I've tried getting help with this on the electronics board, but I can't seem to get the help I need so I thought I would try here. Anyhow, I'm about to buy a Tom Tom Go 700 Nagivation system and I'm trying to figure out a way to supply it with constant power while keeping the cockpit relatively free of wires. Any suggestions how to do this? I will be suctioning the navigation system to the windshield like this

Can I just run the wires from the nav system into the AC vents and plug it into onboard power supply from within the dash? Or should I install an additional power outlet in the passenger footwell like this:

Additional Power Outlet

 

you could do it either way. It would be easy to tap the 12V switched lead for the radio. I think it has a 10A fuse.

 

Thanks for the response, Steven. How would I tap the 12V switched lead for the radio? I have absolutely NO electrical experience? Have any of you done this? Does anyone have pictures? I think plugging it into the electrical system would be the easiest and cleaniest solution. If any of you could give me a little tutorial I would be very grateful. Thanks!

 

How about doing a search for a Radar/Laser detector hardwire and then tap into the power supply under your feet. That seems the easiest to me and it will be turned on with the ignition.

 

I would only try this if you have an aftermarket radio with a wiring harness. You would simply share the RED (on the radio harness) and BLACK with the stereo. There should be enough current capacity; 10A is a lot.

You do NOT want to try to splice into the factory one...it is too tough to work with. If you don't have a radio, I would tap the fuse box lead (SIIK2NR's method).

 

Thanks for the information guys. However, I have absolutely no knowledge with electronics - are there any tutorials for this sort of project?

 

Did a search and I still can't find a tutorial for hardwiring and mounting an external navigation system. Anyone??

 

Well, if you didn't get the help you need in the electronics forum, I am surprised as the EJ's are generally quite helpful. It does assume that you have a general knowledge of wiring and electrical concepts though. If you don't, you are probably best finding someone who does or having it professionally installed (shouldn't cost much).

What is the current rating of the device (how many amps does it draw). If relatively low, you might be able to tap into the power supply to the dome light above the rear view mirror.

 

Heres the mod...

http://www.s2000.org/mods/radar/

It takes about 15 minutes to do. Oh yeah......don't go pulling off all the visor and molding....the wires should tuck under the windshield

PM me if your still lost.......the mod is easy....

 

Do a search and see if you can find an old link to the Helm manual.